Sauvie Island Wildlife Tour - Steelman to Sturgeon Lake L2

Full Name: Brad Sheehan
Activity Title: Sauvie Island Wildlife Tour - Steelman to Sturgeon Lake L2
Date of Activity: 4/16/2024
Narrative: Based on the interest in Thursday's trip, this will allow more paddlers to get on the water!
Join Brad and Laura for a wildlife paddle from Steelman Lake, and portage into Sturgeon Lake at the Sauvie Island Oregon State Wildlife Refuge.

There will be at least one portage/shallow wading portion in and out of Sturgeon Lake.
Be prepared for morning showers.
Bring waterproof Binoculars and camera if you have them.
No boats less than 14.5 feet
Please Plan to be a Pod Participant and stay with the group.
There is no Gasoline available on Sauvie Island, and the porta potty next to the
Cracker Barrel is usually not well maintained.

Launch from Steelman Lake - we'll explore the shoreline looking for Eagles, Hawks, Osprey and possibly River Otters, then proceed through the brushy channel into Sturgeon Lake.

Our Route: After entering Sturgeon Lake, we'll cross over to the Gilbert River and explore the West Arm, and stop for a lunch break. Return by way of the Gilbert River, and cross back to Steelman Lake, with the return portage into Steelman Lake. Take out at 4 PM.
On any given day the paddling experience will depend on the lake levels, which are driven by an interaction of lunar tides and Columbia River water height.
Paddling distance will be 10 to 11 miles.

Meet at 8:30 am at the Cracker Barrel Grocery at the east end of the Sauvie Island bridge where the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) permit may be purchased, $10 daily, or $30 for an annual permit. (-- Not Valid for the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge --)

We will leave the Cracker Barrel Parking lot promptly at 8:45 AM.
ODFW permits are also AVAILABLE ONLINE and are Valid for ANY Oregon State Wildlife Refuge. Go to:
https://myodfw.com/articles/buying-odfw-wildlife-area-parking-permit
myodfw.com/wildlife-viewing
Buy License/ Report Hunt in upper right hand corner
- You DO NOT need to create an account, go in as a guest
Scroll down to GENERAL
Select your Wildlife Area Parking Permit
AND Waterway Access Permit, if you have not already obtained one.
Meeting Time: 8:30:00 AM
Launch Time: 9:45:00 AM
Type of activity: Paddle Trip
Put in: Steelman Lake Parking Area and boat launch, West Side Unit
Take out: Same
Route Alternative for bad weather: Remain in protected area of Steelman Lake, Cancel if thunderstorms are forcast.
Required equipment:
Minimum Immersion protection: Drysuit
Primary Organizer: Brad Sheehan
Co-Organizer(s): TBD, if a 2nds TO signs up, Trip size will increase to 10 total paddlers.
Has organizer paddled here before? Yes
Has organizer led an OOPS paddle here before? Yes
Organizer's first aid and CPR current? Yes
First Aid /CPR Person: Laura Sheehan
Maximum number of paddlers: Six paddlers. If a 2nd TO signs up, Trip size will increase to 10 total paddlers.
I certify that I understand and will conduct this activity in accordance with the OOPS Activity Policy: Yes
Estimated Air Temperature: 42 AM rising to 59 in afternoon
Estimated Water Temperature: 55 Degrees
Estimated Water Time (including breaks/lunch): 6 hours
Tide times & heights: Low 5:59 AM 1.0 FT
High 11:19 AM 3.3 FT
Low 8:14 PM 0.5 FT
Current information: Less than 1Kn in the Gilbert River
Hazards:
Wind strength: Level 2: 7-12 knots (14 mph) – wind noticeably effects movement of paddle
Swell/Surf size: Level 1: Under 1' waves, no breaking waves
Sea state: Level 1: Waves up to the deck seam; water glassy to rippled, no whitecaps
Landing types: Level 2: Frequent landing opportunities including docks or moderate sloping banks, brush or overhanging trees
Currents: Level 1: None or mild (less than 1 knot)
Total distance: Level 2: 6 to 11 miles
Open crossing: Level 2: Between 0.5 and 1 miles
Paddling Environment:
Overall rating: Level 2
Rating Comments: Level 2 for distance, possible wind, crossing, and bad footing
Location: Cracker Barrel Store https://www.oopskayak.org/event-5694880#:~:text=Cracker%20Barrel%20Grocery%20https%3A//maps.app.goo.gl/bZVB3VJFNcaXqNtx6
Photos (Optional):
COVID-19 Status of Trip: Participants of this trip may, or may not, be vaccinated for Covid-19
Tide Station: St. Helens, OR